Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  Zoom-Zoom Needs a Turbo - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NAZGUL - May 29 - 2:40 pm

  Im a 37 male, Id have to say I love all the attention I get with my RX-8. I have Mazdaspeed aftermarket parts along with Sportmax 502 Rims and a Soundstream amp and sub, and finally a MIO510 Roadmate G.P.S. I get looks from kids, chicks, and unfortunately the local 5-0 and state troopers. Heck I got pulled over just to have my tint inspected by one! When I get the car paid off I plan on putting a Greddy Turbo and upgrade the brakes. I hate that an ugly Dodge Neon SRT-4 can outsprint my lovely RX-8 but someday - Watch out! LOL

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  Zoom Zoom On - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Cuchulain - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Had a blast with the car from when I picked it up this summer till I tucked it away from the harsh New England winter. Patiently waiting for the Spring. Never drove anything with such a solid and flat handling stance. Since designed from ground up as a convertible, body flex is less than many other convertibles.

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  Found my Mini Van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By SkyArt - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Being a young Couple with two Kids, It was difficult to accept we were going into a mini van, Well Mazdas MPV ES made the transition feel natural, with the roof rack, spoiler, fog lights and leather, we were very impressed it looked sporty and most of all it fit our needs, So far no complaints, we wanted the 04" with the better looking front grill and standard features, but a price of $21,000 before taxes we couldnt resist. and most of all the kids seem to love it : )

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  very quick car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By zapmaster - May 29 - 2:00 am

  its a fun car to drive and yes the car it very quick LOVE it

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  Sporty fun; comfortable cruiser;guzzler - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By StrickM - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The RX8 fits between sports car and grand tourer. The rotary, which allows 50-50 weight distribution and space efficiency because it is compact and lightweight, is delightfully smooth, but doesnt match torque of the 350Z. For around $30,000, option packages give up-to-date features: traction and stability control, self-dimming mirrors, side and curtain airbags,Bose audio with steering wheel controls,limited slip diff,18" wheels with super braking, 168 mile rated performance tires,

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By big sam - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Performance as advertised. Great compromise. Handles like a sports car. Room like a small sedan.

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  pretty nice car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By phishhead - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a graet car for the money. It has many nice features not offered on many cars in this class. The 6 cylinder engine cound use more torque, its a bit slow off the line. The exterior design is wonderful. The inside is also beautiful.

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  Great! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott - May 28 - 3:03 pm

  I have been looking at the 3S for some time now and I finally bought it last week. I was attracted to it because of its looks and performance and mainly because it has great headroom. I am 62" with short legs so I am all back and have a real hard time with head room in cars and suvs. I have several inches of headroom in this car. I love how the car handles. I took it on some twistys today and was just blown away on how well it at the turns up (this coming from a sportbike rider!). And the really cool thing is that I had my mtn bike in the back! (hatchback) My 3s is "Velocity Red" and boy is it a looker - red with almost orange flakes = just beautiful in the sun!

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  Beutiful and Reliable - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By jbjuice - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car has been an incredible investment. Its fun, looks real nice (people mistake it for a Lexus) and did not cost me an arm and a leg. It was between this and an Acura TL. It was a hard decision, but the stretched out Accord came in 2nd (mainly due to the snobs at the dealership). Im glad I made this decision and will be just as happy with it 10 yrs from now.

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  Better than the matrix and vibe - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By anonymous - May 28 - 10:00 am

  After test driving the protege5 (5- speed manual), pontiac vibe (manual), and toyota matrix (automatic), I decided to purchase the protege5 for many of the same reasons that the editors of Car and Driver (June issue) rated the vehicle best in its class. The protege5 handles, brakes, and rides better. It has more usable torque and is more fun to drive. The protege5 is more comfortable and more attractive. It has excellent fit-and-finish and was recommended in the annual auto issue of Consumers Report because of the excellent reliability of the protege line.